CIRCULAR No

CIRCULAR No. 16.

HDQRS. FIRST DIV., U.S. COLORED TROOPS, Before Blakely, Ala., April 9, 1865.

It is suspected that the enemy has almost evacuated Blakely. General Steele directs that the skirmish lines of Hawkins' and Andrews' divisions advance at 5.30 this afternoon and feel the enemy, driving the rebels as far as possible, and holding whatever ground may be gained.

By order of Brig. Gen. J. P. Hawkins:

SAML. B. FERGUSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.